Oklahoma 4-H’ers representing state at national competition

Oklahoma’s group is part of the 445 youth from 32 states who will be competing in the invitational, said Kevin Allen, assistant professor and state Extension specialist for 4-H Environmental and Natural Resources in the department of natural resource ecology and management.

“All of the 4-H’ers who will represent Oklahoma had to qualify at the state level,” Allen said. “We have four teams, as well as two groups who are competing as individuals. They will be competing in the shotgun, .22 rifle, air rifle, air pistol and archery disciplines.”

The shotgun discipline will include trap, skeet and sporting clays; the archery discipline will include a FITA round, field round and a three-dimensional round; the .22 rifle will include a National Rifle Association three-position round, silhouette round and sporter round; the air rifle competition includes a three-position shoot, sporter air rifle and a silhouette round; and the air pistol includes a slow fire bulls-eye round, a timed fire and a silhouette round. Each of the teams will shoot one event per day.

Awards will be presented to top five teams in each discipline as well as the top ten competitors in each discipline.

 “One of the neat things about this national competition is that it’s held in one place for two years, then moves to another location,” he said. “If our members qualify for the national competition, they’ll have the opportunity to see other parts of the country. We’re very excited about taking this group of 4-H’ers to South Dakota to compete,” Allen said.

Oklahoma 4-H’ers who will be competing include Amanda Hamaker, Stephanie Hamaker and Jo Eike Ellis County; Austin Wilson, Ryan Savely, Jacon Pipins and Brock Nelson, Woodward County; James Syzemore, Blaine County; Chauncey Wester, Ben Hay, Ryanne Woodard and Aaron Ford, Roger Mills County; Kevin Clift and Justin Clift, Cleveland County; Joseph Bailey, Dewey County; Ryan Reddick and Jake Hukill, Jackson County; Randall Callaway, Carter County; and Paden Fulton, Pawnee County.

In addition, each state is eligible to nominate two youth for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassadors, with the winners being announced at the invitational. This is a leadership development component of the National 4-H Shooting Sports program.  Youth 15 and older have the opportunity to represent the 4-H Shooting Sports program while serving in a spokesperson and public relations role.  Trent Pribil and Eric Pribil, Oklahoma County, are Oklahoma’s nominees.

Allen said the shooting sports project area of 4-H has gained a lot of momentum over the last several years. It is one of the largest 4-H projects with more than 5,000 youth enrolled.

The program goals include encouraging understanding of natural resource concepts through the participant’s interest in shooting and hunting; enhancing development of the member’s self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting activities; and teaching safe and responsible use of firearms and archer equipment, including sound decision-making, self-discipline and concentration. Other goals include promoting the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior; exposing club members to the broad array of vocations and lifelong vocational activities related to shooting sports; strengthening families through lifelong recreational activities; and complementing and enhancing the impact of existing safety and hunter education programs.

For more information about the 4-H Shooting Sports Program, contact your local OSU Cooperative Extension office.

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer. 

Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
Oklahoma State University
136 Printing Services Building
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu